Build a Natural House

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Build your own outhouse, a garden retreat or even extending or building your own home.

Whatever your grand design, this practical course can help put some of those ideas into focus, pick up new skills and learn the tricks of the trade from an experienced builder and Master Carpenter.

Key Information

Duration: five days

Upcoming dates: please see booking section below for all available dates

Start and finish times: starts at 10am and ends at 4pm on the last day

Fees: waged £650; low waged / concessions £600

Includes: tuition, all materials, full board shared accommodation (single accommodation is available for an additional £80)

What to bring: as this is a highly practical course, safety boots are required and waterproof clothing is advised

What you will learn

This course is a great introduction to learning a whole host of natural building techniques in a unique, supportive and inspiring environment.

CAT’s Master Carpenter and star of George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces Carwyn Lloyd Jones will guide you through an inspiring week where you’ll explore all the basic elements of creating a natural earth building:

The practicals and theory of groundworks and foundations

Building sections so you gain experience in timber framing, strawbale, hempcrete, rammed earth and earth plastering

Make a section of roofing using pre-cut rafters

Use felt and batons to help insulate the structure

Learn how to install slate on small area of the roof.

In this course you will gain practical experience, and understand how to combine the various natural materials in their own build, gain experience with a range of hand and power tools safely, how to mark out, measure and cut timber.

While we can’t turn you into a master craftsman, we can offer you the opportunity to get a feel for different building materials and understand where they can be used and understand the possibilities of using a range of natural elements.